Freedom of speech online is continually at the heart of heated debates.

Each country has varying opinions on what is illegal and what constitutes a mere taboo. But the concept of a borderless internet often clashes with local regulations, which leads to blocked and even banned content.

Censorship on political grounds is more prevalent than you may think, all in the name of promoting a safer internet experience for all types of audiences. But this affects journalists and commentators alike, and, to an extent, our world view and knowledge.

Reports like the Human Freedom Index may make you assume that democratic countries guarantee freedom of expression. But that’s not always the case, especially if consider the different landscape presented by the World Press Freedom Index stats.

Let see why and how countries end up banning websites.